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June 06, 2007
Cape Town continued
The northern slopes of Table Mountain
I had a bit of time to spare in Cape Town today, so thought that I may as well upload some additional photos, taken recently. I have been in Cape Town for just over a week. Today, I am waiting to catch a night-train to Durban. Actually, that should read: a 'night then a day then another night' train - its a long journey to Durban! Its raining today, so rather than tramp around town getting wet, I may as well get a few things done on the internet whilst waiting until I can go to the station.
The upper cable-car station
As you can tell, it hasn't been raining everyday; in fact the weather here has been very good for most of the time, so I've been able to get out a lot. I've had a good look around town at the various sights, exhibitions, and museums here. I've also ventured a little further afield, down the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Despite what I thought previously, these are not the same thing. Who says that travel doesn't broaden the mind?!
On the summit of Table Mountain, looking south
The view north, over Cape Town
Looking south along the Atlantic coast
These first few photos were all taken from the top of Table Mountain. I went up by cable-car, as the people at the hostel all advise visitors not to walk up the mountain alone. The cable car was an interesting journey though, with good views once you get used to the fact that the floor revolves whilst it is going up. A bit annoying if you are trying to take photos through the one open window, but hey that's technology for you. I'm sure the inventor thought it was a neat idea.
Camouflaged lizard - can you spot it?!
Cape Town harbour, from Table Mountain
Up on the top of the mountain, its truly spectacular, as well as being safe from muggers. These photos here certainly don't do it justice. The top is flat, as you might expect, and spacious enough to have room for a 2-hour walk, which you might not. There are a number of footpaths, clearly marked yet blending in quite well with the natural landscape. Lots of flowers and plants - apparently more species up here than in the whole of the UK - wow. Some frogs too, which I heard but didn't spot. A number of lizards, some of which are easier to spot than others. Quite a few birds, including some eagles. Even some Rock Hyraxes, which are rat-like creatures related to Manatees and Dugongs. I spent most of the day up there, wandering about and admiring the views. A good photograph of Cape Town is difficult to get though, as the city is to the north of the Mountain, and as everyone knows, but I forgot, the sun in the southern hemisphere goes to the north at noon, rather than to the south as we are used to in the northern hemisphere!
Cape Town Harbour, through the noonday-haze
Cable car to Cape Town
Another day, I went to explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, in Cape Town. 'Victoria and Alfred' - shouldn't that be 'Albert'? Apparently not. Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria, began construction of the harbour in 1860. The first basin was named after himself, the second after his mother, hence the name. I guess Albert stuck to museums.
The waterfront is a bit tacky these days, with plenty of malls for those who need them. There were some interesting things to watch, though, including the 'SA Aghulas', which is the South African antarctic research ship, and some oil-exploration rigs, all of which reminded me of old times. There's a great view of Table Mountain, too, which I have duely included.
Cape Town Waterfront, and Table Mountain
Carved figures at Hout Bay
The Atlantic coast near Simonstown
On another of the days, I went to explore the Cape Peninsula. The Atlantic coast here is very picturesque, and the route from Hout Bay, along Chapman's Peak Drive, and south into the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is well worth doing. There are even ostriches to be seen!
More ostriches
Cape Point National Park
The lighthouse at Cape Point
The very south of the peninsula is called 'Cape Point', and is notable for its spectacular lighthouse, right at the very top of the peak. This light used to be the most powerful in the world, at 19 million candlepower (that's a lot of candles) but has now been reduced to a mere 10 million. Apparently it was a little too high for some vessels near at hand to spot - they were sunk on the nasty rocks here, so a second lighthouse was built much lower down the cliff.
The Cape of Good Hope, and Cape Point
The Cape of Good Hope is on the Atlantic side of the peninsula, a tiny bit north of Cape Point. You can see some information about it on this excellent Wikipedia page. Don't forget - neither are at the extreme tip of Africa - that distinction goes to Cape Aghulas - you can see photos of that on my African Photos - 14 page.
Jackass Penguins at Simonstown
I popped into Simonstown to see the Jackass Penguins - so called because of the sound they make, which really is remarkably like a donkey! It was very strange for me to see penguins away from the Antarctic, but a nice reminder of past adventures.
Well, I will stop typing, and embark on adventures new. Keep watching this space for further updates...
Changing the guard at Castle of Good Hope
Posted by travellingtim at June 6, 2007 06:42 PM